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Whether you need to make it easy for customers to find your event venue or simply want to showcase your business locations, adding a map to your website makes sense. When it comes to WordPress, this means selecting one of the best map plugins to help.
From interactive features to advanced customization options, using a map plugin for WordPress offers a variety of advantages over manual integration. Plus, there are plenty to choose from!
In this post, we’ll explain what a map plugin is and list some of the best options. We’ll also answer some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), including how to add a map to WordPress without a plugin. Let’s get started!
In This Article 🔍
What Is a Map Plugin? 🗺️
Map plugins for WordPress are extensions you can install on your website that make adding a map quick and easy. This can help you expose your brick-and-mortar locations to more customers:
Also, adding a map to your contact or about page provides advantages from a design perspective. A colorful, interactive map is much more interesting and aesthetically pleasing than your address in plain text.
However, you don’t need to have physical business locations to benefit from incorporating a map on your website. You can also use them to emphasize your customer base or global footprint, highlight specific regions to promote social awareness about a relevant topic, provide directions to an event venue, and more.
Technically, you don’t need a plugin to add a Google Map to your WordPress site. The Google Maps API provides an embed code that you can insert in a WordPress page or post via the Block Editor.
However, many map plugins for WordPress come equipped with advanced features you don’t get with a manually embedded map. In addition to single or multiple locations, interactive map plugins provide:
- Filter and search options
- Clusterization
- Street views
- Custom icons and markers
- Animations
- Zooming and panning
- And more
Using a map plugin for WordPress also makes it easier to reuse and update maps across your website. This eliminates the need to create a new page every time you want to add your map somewhere else on your website. Also, if you want to update or change the visible locations on your map, you won’t have to manually replace the embedded code.
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While many map plugins make it easy to integrate Google Maps with your WordPress site, some can also be used for other mapping systems and purposes. For example, you can use a plugin to add a store locator feature on your website, as well as heatmaps with visual statistical data.
12 Best Map Plugins for WordPress 📍
As with most WordPress plugins, the best solution for you will depend on your specific goals and needs, as well as whether you’re looking for a free or premium plugin. Let’s take a look at 12 of the best map plugins for WordPress:
- Interactive Geo Maps
- Maps Marker Pro
- MapifyPro
- MapSVG
- 5sec Google Maps PRO
- Hero Maps Premium
- WP Google Maps Pro
- WP Google Maps
- MapPress Maps for WordPress
- Google Maps Easy
- Google Maps Widget
- WP Store Locator
1. Interactive Geo Maps
If you’re looking for an interactive map plugin for your WordPress site, you can’t go wrong with Interactive Geo Maps (get 20% off with discount code IGMWPBUFFS) This freemium plugin is packed with features that make customizing and extending the functionality of your maps simple.
From travel bloggers to real estate agents, this plugin is useful for a wide variety of professionals and businesses. Regardless of which version of the plugin you install, you’ll have access to a range of features you can use to tailor your maps to your specific needs and preferences.
Interactive Geo Maps features include:
- Unlimited responsive maps
- Advanced zoom options
- Map projections
- Colored legends and colored markers with hover color change
- Choropleth (heatmap) map creation
- Live filters
- Tooltips and text labels
- Drilldown maps
The Interactive Geo Map plugin is available in a limited free version. However, the premium version starts at just $3.99 per month and includes extended features such as the ability to use custom images and vector icons as markers. There’s also a free seven-day trial for the premium version if you want to compare the two options.
💰GET INTERACTIVE GEO MAPS FOR $3.99 PER MONTH
(Get 20% off with discount code IGMWPBUFFS)
2. Maps Marker Pro
Maps Marker Pro is a robust, feature-rich premium map plugin for WordPress. It’s a strong option if you’re looking to exercise a high level of control and customization over your maps’ appearance and functionality.
While it may not be the most beginner-friendly WordPress map plugin on this list, it is certainly among the most dynamic. It has a long feature list with many advanced options available, plus a ton of customization tools to adapt your maps to your needs.
Maps Marker Pro features include:
- Unlimited maps and markers
- Front end filters and marker categories
- Tools for drawing directly on your maps
- Support for multiple mapping systems, including Google Maps, Bing Maps, TomTom, and OpenStreetMap
- Custom marker icons
- Real-time visitor location display
- Multilingual maps and translations
- GPX tracks for displaying route metadata
- Marker clustering and filters
To give Maps Marker Pro a try, you can create a demo map on the developer’s website or download a free trial. If you’re ready to purchase the plugin, you have three pricing plans to choose from, starting at $42 for a lifetime license including access to updates and support for 1 year.
💰GET MAPS MARKER PRO FOR $42 (or start a free a 30-day trial)
3. MapifyPro
MapifyPro is a premium map plugin for WordPress that you can use to add a store locator to your website. Although it’s a powerful option for integrating Google Maps with your website, you can also use it to incorporate your own custom maps.
This plugin essentially enables you to build your own map while leveraging some of Google Maps’ functionality. For example, you can add zooming and panning features, as well as provide directions to specific markers.
MapifyPro features include:
- Responsive maps with unlimited locations
- Pins with tooltips and hover boxes
- The option to add hotspots
- Custom markers and animations
- Image galleries
- Video support
We encourage you to check out the MapifyPro demo on the developer’s website. While there is a limited free version available, at just $19 per month, the paid version is well worth it to gain access to the entire suite of features.
💰GET MAPIFYPRO FOR $19 PER MONTH
4. MapSVG
MapSVG is one of the best interactive map plugins for WordPress. In addition to Google Maps integration, this plugin lets you create vector and image maps. It’s a powerful option if you need to display an information-rich map.
What makes MapSVG so unique is that it enables you to incorporate a wide range of data and statistics to make your interactive maps as engaging and informative as possible. For example, you can color shade your maps based on statistics and regions for strong data visualization.
MapSVG features include:
- Custom Google Map styles
- Filters and region links
- Tooltips and popups for displaying information
- Latitude and longitude coordinates
- Custom event handles
- Map object custom fields and form creation
- Choropleth maps for adding your own statistics such as demographics or weather mapping
- Built-in live preview in the dashboard control panel
MapSVG comes with a basic free version, but it is extremely limiting. To take advantage of its features, we recommend purchasing the premium plugin, which is available for $49. You can try the demo version if you’d like to test drive it before investing.
💰GET MAPSVG FOR $49
5. 5sec Google Maps PRO
5sec Google Maps PRO is a premium map plugin for WordPress that makes it easy to add maps to your website with shortcodes or via a dedicated widget. This makes it an excellent option if you want to keep your business location visible across your site in your sidebar or footer.
This plugin also includes a visual map builder that makes creating custom maps quick and efficient. It’s a highly beginner-friendly option for complex use cases as it enables you to generate your map without editing any code.
Other 5sec Google Maps PRO’s features include:
- Unlimited map markers
- Dedicated map widget for global visibility
- Library of marker styles and unlimited color overlays
- Text boxes for labeling markers
- Multiple maps per page or post
- Built-in directions form to guide customers to your business
To get a better feel for its features and functionality, you can check out the live demos on the Web Factory website. If you’re ready to buy it, you have two options: the basic version ($13) or the premium version ($20).
💰GET 5SEC GOOGLE MAPS PRO FOR $20
6. Hero Maps Premium
Hero Maps Premium is a flexible, dynamic WordPress map plugin that comes with a healthy offering of configuration options. You can use it to add fully responsive full-screen or fixed-width maps to your website. It includes an intuitive interface and helpful drag-and-drop builder that let you create and manage your maps with ease.
Hero Maps Premium features include:
- Custom markers and three colorpacks
- Support for fullscreen or fixed-width maps
- Marker grouping and filtering by category
- Multiple maps
- Map themes
- Front end category filter
- CSV import and export functionality
- Features for drawing shapes on maps
- Marker animations
- Cross-browser compatibility
To get a better feel for its features and functionality, you can try a demo of Hero Maps premium on the developer’s website. The plugin is available for just $20 on CodeCanyon.
💰GET HERO MAPS PREMIUM FOR $20
7. WP Google Maps Pro
Developed by FlipperCode, WP Google Maps Pro is an advanced Google Maps plugin for WordPress that provides a variety of features for customizing your maps. It can even show posts related to specific locations in a map-based display.
This plugin is particularly worth considering if you need to display multiple business locations. For example, it can be especially useful for real estate, events, and university websites.
WP Google Maps Pro features include:
- Unlimited maps and location markers
- Display location listings
- Marker links for displaying regular or custom post types
- Front end filters for users
- Marker clusters for high-density regions
- Searchable filter categories and radius filters
- Custom-shape drawing tools
- Advanced Custom Fields integration for displaying information windows
- Display multiple routes on a single map
You can download the free version of WP Google Maps from the WordPress Plugin Directory. However, we recommend upgrading to the premium version to take full advantage of its features.
💰GET WP GOOGLE MAPS PRO FOR $59
8. WP Google Maps
Not to be confused with WP Google Maps Pro discussed above, WP Google Maps is another popular, freemium map plugin for WordPress. It enables you to quickly and easily add Google Maps to your WordPress site with its user-friendly interface.
Once installed, you can simply type in an address to create a marker, then use the plugin’s drag-and-drop functionality to add and move the markers. You can insert maps on your site via shortcodes or a widget.
WP Google Maps features include:
- Unlimited map markers
- Nine map themes
- Responsive maps
- Full-screen maps
- Map widget functionality
- Store locator search functionality
- Map marker animations
- Multiple maps
- Directions to markers
- Map marker descriptions and links
- Custom marker icons
- Option to show visitors’ locations on the map
If you only want to add a single map to your WordPress site, the free version of WP Google Maps might suffice. You can add unlimited markers to a single map. However, if you want to add multiple maps, you’ll need to invest in the premium add-on, which starts at $39.99.
💰GET WP GOOGLE MAPS FOR $39.99
9. MapPress Maps for WordPress
As with many of the map plugins for WordPress included in this list, MapPress is a freemium plugin that makes building customized Google Maps quick and simple.
It’s an affordable solution for adding interactive Google Maps to your WordPress posts and pages. Even the free version of the plugin supports unlimited maps and lets you add multiple maps per post. However, MapPress Pro includes an extensive set of features you can’t get with the free plugin.
MapPress Pro features include:
- More than 100 marker styles
- Map ‘mashups’ for combining multiple maps into one
- Direction displays to markers
- List of clickable marked locations below the map
- Sidebar map widgets
- TurboCSV integration
- Option to generate maps from custom field contents
To test out the demo of MapPress Pro, you simply need to register for an account. If you want to purchase this plugin, you have the option of two licenses. The basic license costs $49.95 and can be used for up to five sites. The developer license is $79.95 and can be used for up to 25 sites. Both include one year of updates and support.
💰GET MAPPRESS PRO FOR $49.95 PER YEAR
10. Google Maps Easy
Developed by Supsystic, the Google Maps Easy plugin is perfect if you’re looking for a no hassle-solution for creating unlimited maps and marker locations for your WordPress website. Even the free version is jam-packed with features, most of which other developers only include in premium licenses.
Google Maps Easy features include:
- Marker clustering and categories
- Infowindows for displaying location details alongside each marker
- Option to add internal or external links to markers
- Multiple map styles and themes
- Basic or carousel marker display lists
With the Pro version, you get all of the above features plus some. You’ll also be able to choose from more map themes, provide alternate routes and directions to markers, incorporate heatmap layers, and more.
You can download the free Google Maps Easy plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory. If you want to purchase the Pro version, you can choose between three licenses, starting at $39.
💰GET GOOGLE MAPS EASY PRO FOR $39
11. Google Maps Widget
Rounding out the options for freemium map plugins for WordPress is Google Maps Widget. This is a simple solution for adding a Google Map to your WordPress site.
Google Maps Widget lets you create a map on your WordPress site in just a few minutes. It’s easy to use and customize, plus it includes interactive Google Map options.
Google Maps Widget features include:
- Custom marker icons
- Multilingual and translatable maps
- Map color scheme styles
- Responsive layout
- Shortcode functionality to include maps anywhere on your site
- Map size and zoom level options
- Custom descriptions for map markers
You can download Google Maps Widget for free from the WordPress Plugin Directory. However, if you upgrade to the Pro version, you’ll be able to choose from 15 map styles or create custom ones, utilize a host of lightbox effects and features, and access a variety of thumbnail customization options.
💰GET GOOGLE MAPS WIDGET FOR $18.99 PER YEAR
12. WP Store Locator
If your goal is to add a store locator section to your website, but you don’t want to pay for a premium map plugin for WordPress, WP Store Locator is worth checking out. This free plugin is an ideal choice if you just need a simple way to showcase the locations of your brick-and-mortar business.
As far as free map plugins for WordPress go, WP Store Locator is a powerful solution that includes a ton of options for customizing your maps. It’s a solid alternative to the MapifyPro plugin if you’re on a tight budget.
WP Store Locator features include:
- Radius filters
- Option to add store information, such as phone numbers and descriptions
- Map marker icons
- Custom metadata
- Unlimited store locations
- Driving distances and directions
- Marker clusters
WP Store Locator is also compatible with multilingual plugins, so your customers can use your map regardless of which regions they’re in. You can download the plugin for free from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
💰GET WP STORE LOCATOR FOR FREE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Map Plugins for WordPress 🧭
At this point, hopefully you have a better idea of the options available to you when it comes to adding a map to your WordPress site, and have narrowed down the best WordPress map plugin for your specific needs. However, we want to take a minute to answer some FAQs on this subject:
What Are the Best Google Map Plugins for WordPress?
As you may have realized at this point, there are a ton of Google Map plugins for WordPress available. Almost all the tools listed above integrate with this platform. However, deciding which one is best for you depends on a number of factors, such as the level of customization you’re looking for as well as your budget.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we consider WP Google Maps among the best Google Map plugins for WordPress. With over 400,000 active installations, this is one of the most popular map plugins available. Plus, the free version doesn’t skimp on features.
Of course, if you’re okay shelling out a few bucks for a premium Google Maps plugin, WP Google Maps Pro is another powerful option. This plugin has everything you need to build and customize your Google Maps with a user-friendly interface.
What Are the Best Interactive WordPress Map Plugins?
When it comes to using an interactive WordPress map plugin, it doesn’t get much better than Interactive Geo Maps. As we mentioned earlier, this freemium plugin is useful for a wide variety of purposes, including travel and real estate sites.
Another reason we recommend Interactive Geo Maps is because it offers a free one-week trial beyond the basic demo version most other plugins on this list provide. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the plugin’s features before committing to a paid plan.
Also, as far as paid map plugins for WordPress go, Interactive Geo Maps is extremely affordable. Premium plans start at just $3.99 per month!
Another option you might consider is MapSVG. This plugin is highly recommended if you’re looking for data visualization maps and want to leverage advanced features to take your maps to the next level. However, it may not be the best interactive map plugin if you want a beginner-friendly solution.
How Do You Add Google Maps to WordPress Without a Plugin?
If you want to add a Google Map to your WordPress website, but don’t want to use a plugin, you can. The Google Maps API provides an embed code you can add to a WordPress post or page via the Block Editor.
To do this, open the place marker for the location you want to feature on your website in Google Maps. Once you select the location, click on the hamburger menu icon to the left of the address:
In the menu panel that opens, select Share or embed map:
In the resulting popup, click on the Embed a map tab, then copy the code:
Now, navigate back to your WordPress dashboard. Open the page or post where you want to insert the map in the editor, add a Custom HTML block, and paste the Google Maps code. Then select the Preview button to see how it looks:
When you’re done, save your changes. This is a decent solution for simple maps. However, keep in mind that manually adding a Google Map to your site won’t provide the advanced features a plugin offers.
Wrapping Up ⌛️
Adding a map to your WordPress site can help you grow your business, make your site more engaging, and help your customers to locate your store. Whether you’re looking to add one map or several, the easiest method is to use a map plugin for WordPress.
As we discussed in this article, there are a wide variety of WordPress map plugins to choose from. To summarize:
- If you’re looking for a feature-rich Google Maps plugin, WP Google Maps, WP Google Maps Pro, 5sec Google Maps, and Google Maps Easy are all worth checking out.
- For interactive maps, Interactive Geo Maps, Maps Marker Pro, and MapSVG are powerful solutions.
- For an easy-to-use plugin that offers customization options and store locator functionality, you may want to consider Hero Maps Premium, MapPress, Google Maps Widget, MapifyPro, or WP Store Locator.
Once you get your WordPress map plugin up and running, it’s important to make sure it’s regularly updated and properly maintained. At WP Buffs, we make this easy with our WordPress Care Plans. Check them out today!
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Image credit: Unsplash.
